ANIMAL CRIMES UNIT RESCUES 8 PIT BULLS
Friday, May 8, 2009 — Eight pit bulls and two guns were recovered from a Harvey residence Thursday evening, as a result of a search warrant executed by the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Animal Crimes Unit, according to the Office of Sheriff Thomas J. Dart.
Michael Whitted, 38, of the 14700 block of Lincoln, was charged with eight counts of Cruel Treatment to Animals, eight counts of Animal Owner Duties, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and one count of Possession of Firearms without a valid FOID card, as a result of a two-week long investigation conducted by officers from the Cook County Sheriff’s Police, the Chicago Police Department and Agents from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, who comprise the Animal Crimes Unit.
Six of the dogs were found in a small back yard, which was cluttered with cars, trash and junk. The dogs were tethered with logging chains and locks, with no food or water in sight. Based on the temperament of the dogs, it is believed they were being trained for fighting. The other two dogs were six-month old puppies found in cages in the garage, which were filled with feces and urine. All of the dogs were turned over to Cook County Animal Control for examination and evaluation.
Whitted is scheduled to appear at the Markham Courthouse on June 29th.